autumn inspiration

Clutha River in autumn
Clutha River in autumn

It's a crazy life. This week we've been immersed in enjoying autumn and next week we'll be enjoying spring. Yes, it's time to pack again for our annual migration to the Northern Hemisphere. Time to pack up the house, and my studio, say goodbye to our beautiful dog and head to Spain for adventures in our little van.

Last couple of days of the crisp, frosty mornings, calm days, spectacular autumn colours, bike rides and swims with Zulu dog.

Clutha River in autumn
Clutha River in autumn
Watercolour sketch of from the Lake Wanaka Outlet
Watercolour sketch of from the Lake Wanaka Outlet
Reflections near Alexandra
Reflections near Alexandra
Norwegian Maple in autumn colours
Norwegian Maple in autumn colours
Working on a pattern of Liquidambar leaves
Working on a pattern of Liquidambar leaves
Autumn campfire
Autumn campfire

Next post should be from somewhere in Spain :-)

You can follow my sketching adventures here on this blog, on Facebook or Instagram.

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One of my all-time favourite paintings of a stormy day in a ruined Roman town in Spain.

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